August 26, 2025 

Today's Reading: Hebrews 12:4-24 (25-29)

Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 8:22-30, 46-63; 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Peace. In the news, we hear about working toward peace in places like Israel and its neighbors, Russia and Ukraine, China, North Korea, and many more. We can define this word regarding international politics as getting along with other nations and ending any conflict and violence. Yet so much more is packed into the word “peace.”

Peace can describe the perfect relationship of God and humanity, of an individual with everyone else, and all creation. God created everything, relating to it all in His peace. On the other hand, Satan and his cronies despise God and His peace. They work at frustrating His peace among people and creation. Sadly, all too often, we are willing to jump on the bandwagon of working against God’s peace by making everything about ourselves. “Me! Me! Me!” we cry, fixating on what makes me happy, even if it is not good or helpful or loving for others. Old Adam isn’t very peaceful, is he?

The Lord speaks through the author of Hebrews today, telling you to strive for peace and holiness. Your old sinful self could never do this. Christ Jesus, however, can and did. With His suffering, death, and resurrection, He restored our peace with God. This peace is now delivered by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit has called you by the Gospel, enlightened you with His gifts, sanctified and kept you in the true faith. As He does this, He is drawing you back into a healed and restored relationship with God—that is His peace!

That’s right! As God’s baptized child, you have received His peace. Now you live in faith, and God tells you here in Hebrews to continue in that peace. Strive for it. Work towards it. Be an instrument of God’s peace with everyone. How? You strive for peace as you encourage others to hear His Word and receive His Sacraments. You strive for peace as you live out your faith by loving and serving your neighbor, placing them and their needs above your own. And the Spirit does exactly that, giving God’s peace to you and through you.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Lord be our light when worldly darkness veils us; Lord, be our shield when earthly armor fails us; And in the day when hell itself assails us, Grant us your peace Lord: Peace in our hearts, where sinful thoughts are raging, Peace in Your Church, our troubled souls assuaging, Peace when the world its endless war is waging, Peace in Your heaven. (LSB 659:3,4)

Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

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